Latest news with #JustinMares
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Members-Only Event: How To Make Your Food Business—And Kitchen—Healthy Again
Join us July 30th at 12PM EST as Forbes staff writer Chloe Sorvino and Kettle & Fire chairman Justin Mares unpack what it takes to build a better-for-you food business in 2025, how Make America Healthy Again is changing the game for the food and beverage industries and the glaring gaps that still exist. They will discuss synthetic additives and food dyes, seed oils, Glyphosate residue and much more. We'll discuss: Insider strategies on how to formulate better-for-you food and beverages for mass consumption Advice on the top ingredients to cut from your kitchen to stay ahead of the curve Tips on labeling and the certifications that actually resonate with consumers and meet them where they are How to scale a brand built for the MAHA era Chloe Sorvino Forbes Chloe Sorvino is a staff writer who leads coverage of food, drink and agriculture. Chloe is also the creator and author of the weekly newsletter Fresh Take. Her book Raw Deal: Hidden Corruption, Corporate Greed and the Fight for the Future of Meat published on Dec. 6th, 2022 with Simon & Schuster's Atria Books. Since joining Forbes in 2015, Sorvino has reported at In-N-Out Burger's secret test kitchen, drought-ridden farms in California's Central Valley, burnt-out national forests logged by a timber billionaire, a 100-year slaughterhouse business in Omaha, and even a chocolate croissant factory designed like a medieval castle in Northern France. Sorvino graduated with a journalism degree from George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs. Justin Mares Forbes Justin Mares is a serial entrepreneur and investor at the forefront of health, wellness, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) innovation. He has founded several successful companies, including Kettle & Fire (a leading bone broth brand), Perfect Keto and Surely (non-alcoholic wines). Mares is also the co-founder of TrueMed, revolutionizing HSA/FSA fund usage for everyday health purchases. As a venture partner at Long Journey Ventures and an angel investor, he actively supports and mentors startups. Mares shares valuable insights on DTC brands and entrepreneurship through his newsletter, "The Next Brand," and is involved in cutting-edge research on pathogen inactivation using microwave technology.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Models of Medical Coverage: How to Afford the Midlife Care Insurance Ignores
Health insurance isn't what it used to be—and for many women in midlife, it's not enough. Whether it's hormone therapy, mental health support, menopause care or the rising cost of prescriptions, more and more women are finding themselves stuck with gaps in coverage. But there's good news: new tools and programs are stepping in to help. From discount cards and manufacturer coupons to telehealth memberships and direct-pay specialty services, there are now more ways than ever to access—and afford—the care you need. More from Flow Space Confessions of a Former Nurx Addict We spoke with industry experts about the best (and most affordable options) to break down your options and show you where to turn when your insurance says no. When it comes to paying for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, HSAs and FSAs can be powerful tools, especially for midlife women managing rising medical expenses, from menopause-related care to preventive screenings. HSAs are available to people with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) and let you set aside money tax-free for qualified medical expenses. The triple tax advantage, contributions, interest/growth and withdrawals for eligible expenses are all tax-free, making HSAs a uniquely effective way to save. 'In 2025, individuals can contribute up to $4,300 (and up to $5,300, if you're 55 or older), and unused funds roll over year-to-year, making it a smart long-term strategy for future medical needs, including in retirement,' Justin Mares, CEO and co-founder of Truemed, a medical inventory management company, tells Flow Space. He adds that according to a 2023 report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, HSA users who contribute regularly and invest their funds can accumulate tens of thousands of dollars over time—especially valuable as women tend to have longer lifespans and higher lifetime healthcare costs. FSAs, meanwhile, are available through many employer-sponsored plans and allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical costs. The key difference? FSAs are 'use it or lose it' accounts, meaning you typically have to spend the funds within the plan year (though some plans allow a short grace period or a small rollover). Still, they can help cover predictable expenses like copays, therapy sessions, over-the-counter medications, or period products. Not everything that supports your health fits neatly into a traditional insurance claim, and employers are starting to recognize that. That's where wellness stipends and Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) come in. These employer-funded benefits offer flexible money you can use for a broader range of health-related expenses, many of which are especially relevant in midlife. While HSAs and FSAs are tied to IRS-approved medical expenses, LSAs cover wellness-related costs that aren't typically reimbursed by insurance, like fitness memberships, meditation apps, nutrition coaching, ergonomic home office gear and, yes, even menopause support tools and programs. 'Think of it as a health-adjacent allowance that adapts to your lifestyle,' Selin A. Malkoc, an associate professor at the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University, tells Flow Space. A 2023 survey from Mercer, a global consulting firm specializing in health, retirement and investment solutions, found that over 25% of large employers now offer some version of an LSA or wellness stipend, and that number is expected to grow. Some companies give monthly or quarterly reimbursements, while others set an annual budget you can tap into—usually ranging from $200 to $1,500 per year. 'Just keep in mind that LSAs are considered taxable income, so you may owe taxes on what you spend, but for many, the flexibility is worth it,' says Malkoc. When it comes to midlife care many women are finding that traditional primary care just isn't cutting it. That's why a growing number are turning to concierge medicine or cash-pay specialty clinics, where personalized attention and longer visits are prioritized, even if insurance isn't accepted. In these models, you typically pay a monthly or annual membership fee (concierge) or per-visit cash rate (cash-pay) to access services. In return, you often get same- or next-day appointments, direct access to your provide, and visits that can last 30–90 minutes, compared to the average 15-minute primary care appointment. 'For women navigating perimenopause, weight changes, sleep issues or shifting mental health, that time and attention can make a huge difference,' says Malkoc. A 2019 estimate from the American College of Private Physicians showed there were around 10,000 concierge doctors serving roughly one million patients nationwide, making up a growing share of their patients. More and more services are partnering with healthcare providers and pharmacies to offer buy now, pay later plans for everything from dermatology and dental work to prescriptions and hormone therapy. You'll find these options offered at some OB-GYN clinics, compounding pharmacies and even online platforms offering prescription weight-loss drugs or hormone replacement therapy. 'For midlife women balancing multiple health expenses at once, this can provide helpful breathing room,' says Mares. He adds that not all plans are interest-free, and terms can vary widely based on the provider and your credit. 'Some carry APR rates of 25% or higher, if not paid off on time, which can quickly make that 'affordable' monthly fee more costly in the long run,' warns Mares. Bottom line: Installment plans can be a smart short-term tool—especially for big-ticket care that can't wait—but be sure to read the fine print. Understand the repayment timeline, check for hidden fees and know your limits before signing on. If you've ever struggled to find a doctor who takes your symptoms seriously in midlife, you're not alone. That's one reason virtual clinics dedicated to women's health are gaining traction. Companies are stepping in to fill the care gap, offering subscription-based services that focus specifically on perimenopause, menopause and related concerns like sleep, mood and metabolic changes. 'These platforms usually operate outside traditional insurance networks, but their bundled pricing often makes care more affordable and predictable,' says DeAvila Ford, a licensed clinical social worker whose clinical interests involve making healthcare more accessible, tells Flow Space. 'A typical monthly fee includes telehealth visits, ongoing provider access, prescription delivery and follow-up care—no surprise bills, no months-long wait for an appointment. Some even offer lab testing or personalized treatment plans, with prescriptions tailored to your symptoms and health history.' According to a 2023 report, telehealth use remains highest among women ages 35 to 64, especially for chronic care and hormone-related services. And because virtual clinics often use nurse practitioners or menopause-trained clinicians, patients tend to get longer, more focused visits than in many traditional settings. If you're uninsured, underinsured or simply overwhelmed by out-of-pocket costs, don't overlook local or condition-specific programs that can help, says Ford. 'Many states, nonprofits and health systems offer targeted assistance for essential services like mammograms, reproductive health, diabetes care and more, often at low or no cost,' she says. For example, the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides free or low-cost mammograms and Pap tests in every U.S. state. Other organizations, like Planned Parenthood or your local health department, may offer sliding-scale pricing for birth control, STI testing and other reproductive care. And disease-specific nonprofits, like the American Diabetes Association or the Lupus Foundation of America, often fund patient grants or medication assistance. 'These programs are especially important for women in midlife, who may fall into coverage gaps, too young for Medicare but facing increasing health needs,' says Ford. 'You might also find regional grants or community health programs geared toward women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals or rural residents, who often face additional barriers to care.'
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Truemed and Navia Benefits Solutions Partner to Expand Access to Root-Cause Healthcare with HSA/FSA Dollars
AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Truemed, the leading platform enabling qualified health purchases with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), today announced a strategic partnership with Navia Benefits Solutions, Inc., a premier benefits administrator serving thousands of employers nationwide. This partnership unlocks the ability for Navia's members to qualify to spend pre-tax HSA/FSA dollars on services and products designed to cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent specific conditions through root-cause interventions. Through Truemed's clinician-supported eligibility process, qualified members may now use their tax-free funds on a curated range of health-focused brands. Navia users will gain access to Truemed's expanding curated marketplace, which includes brands such as: Exercise & Movement: Nike Strength, Peloton, and top-tier gyms and training platforms Nutrition & Supplements: Athletic Greens, ARMRA, and other clinically-backed products Mental Health & Recovery Tools: Emerging brands that address stress, metabolism, and more By integrating with Navia's offering, Truemed enables qualified Navia participants to access a seamless pathway to receive a letter of medical necessity from a licensed clinician and apply HSA/FSA dollars toward evidence-based products that support management and reversal of specific chronic conditions, from Type 2 diabetes to mental health, autoimmune conditions, and more. Navia and Truemed have launched a deep technical integration to help Navia quickly process claims involving Truemed letters of medical necessity, taking the headache out of LMNs. "We're thrilled to partner with Navia to redefine what's possible with pre-tax healthcare spending," said Justin Mares, CEO of Truemed. "Our shared vision is to empower people to take control of their health with interventions that go beyond symptom management, focusing instead on addressing the root causes of chronic conditions." "At Navia, we believe benefits should reflect the way people actually take care of their health proactively, and on their own terms," states Hilarie Aitken, CEO of Navia. "Our partnership with Truemed makes it easier than ever to pay for eligible health-promoting products and services like fitness programs, strength training equipment, supplements, and more. Healthy choices often come with a significant price tag, and we're proud to offer solutions that make those choices more attainable." About TruemedTruemed partners with consumer health brands to accept HSA/FSA payments for root-cause healthcare expenses. By streamlining medical qualification and compliance, Truemed enables individuals to invest in medically necessary products and services using pre-tax dollars. About Navia Benefits SolutionsNavia is a Health and Wealth benefits provider serving 10,000+ clients across the nation. Navia offers comprehensive benefits administration, retirement, CDH, finance, lifestyle, and compliance solutions to employers and delivers industry-leading customer service, communications, and technology. Navia delivers innovative, flexible benefit solutions designed to empower healthier, happier Contact:Tom Dahltom@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Truemed Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
06-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ABC Fitness and Truemed partner to unlock healthcare funds for eligible fitness investments
Dallas, Texas, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABC Fitness, a global leader in fitness technology solutions, has announced a new partnership with Truemed, a healthcare payment provider that enables eligible Americans to use their Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for qualified medical expenses. This partnership is set to broaden access to root-cause health interventions, making fitness for eligible Americans more financially attainable through ABC Fitness' network of nearly 10,000 gyms and studios in the US. Through this collaboration, tens of millions of Americans could qualify to have their fitness expenses paid in new ways, leveraging pre-tax dollars from their HSA and FSA accounts. With many Americans having a legitimate medical need to have greater access to health and fitness services, this initiative allows for more of them to prioritize their health without some of the financial barriers. Khal Rai, President, ABC Fitness said: 'Partnering with Truemed allows us to make fitness more accessible to qualifying individuals by removing barriers and leveling the playing field. Now, more gyms and studios in the US can provide a more convenient process for members to qualify to use pre-tax funds for their gym memberships, training programs, and other qualified services—empowering them to take control of their health in a more affordable way.' ABC Fitness is the largest fitness tech company in the US, supporting fitness businesses across all 50 states, spanning metropolitan, urban, and suburban communities. With this partnership, access to fitness services will be unmatched, enabling more Americans than ever before to visit the gym and invest in their health. Truemed works by partnering with brands, merchants, and a network of healthcare practitioners to evaluate customers' eligibility for HSA/FSA use, potentially allowing them to use their pre-tax funds for qualifying gym memberships, fitness programs, and other qualified health-related expenses. 'At Truemed, we believe that being healthy should be accessible and affordable for everyone,' said Justin Mares, Founder, Truemed. 'By teaming up with ABC Fitness, we're making it easier than ever for qualified Americans to use the money they've already set aside for health expenses to invest in their fitness. The future of healthcare is proactive, and fitness is a key part of that equation.' This partnership reinforces ABC Fitness and Truemed's shared commitment to making healthy living more attainable for all. As the fitness and healthcare industries continue to evolve, this collaboration represents a major step toward integrating health investments into everyday life, ensuring that more Americans can take advantage of the benefits of exercise without financial strain. To learn more about how this partnership can benefit your gym or fitness business, visit About ABC Fitness ABC Fitness is the number one technology provider for fitness businesses everywhere. Simplifying club and member management for 40+ years via scalable solutions, ABC Fitness' innovations transform fitness visions into seamless reality. From personal trainers, boutique studios, and gyms, to international franchise health clubs, ABC Fitness provides the technology and industry insights needed to move your business forward. ABC Fitness currently supports more than 40 million members and 30K+ fitness businesses globally, processing over $12 billion in payments every year. Learn more at About Truemed
